Vote counting is currently ongoing for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections amidst strict security measures in all eight districts of the state. Over 83.52% of eligible voters participated in the elections held on April 12, with 173 candidates vying for positions. Prohibitory orders have been enforced around counting centers to maintain law and order, as confirmed by a State Election Commission official.
To ensure security, a comprehensive three-tier security setup involving central and state security forces has been implemented at all 17 counting centers across Tripura. The TTAADC, a crucial constitutional body covering 70% of the state’s geographical area, consists of 28 elected members and two government-nominated members. It holds significant political importance, second only to the state Assembly.
The electoral competition in the TTAADC polls involves national parties like the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress, along with regional players like the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). Notably, various smaller parties and Independent candidates are also in the electoral race. The BJP, TMP, and CPI(M) have fielded candidates in all 28 constituencies, with the Congress and IPFT contesting in 27 and 24 seats, respectively.
TMP and IPFT, tribal-based allies of the BJP, are running independently after failing to form an alliance for these elections. The TTAADC, established in 1985 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, aims to foster the socio-economic progress of tribal communities, which play a significant role in Tripura’s political landscape. Tribal groups constitute about one-third of the state’s population.
